Pakistani singer-actor Ali Zafar is once again facing intense backlash, this time over a resurfaced interview clip in which he used deeply insensitive language, dragging the word “rape” into a casual, joking context.

The remark, now widely circulating online, has reignited criticism around the star’s public conduct and reopened debates linked to his past controversies.

The clip, reportedly recorded during his Bollywood phase, shows Zafar describing a past relationship using the phrase “like being raped,” before laughing and adding that he “actually enjoyed it.”

The interviewer is seen immediately pushing back, calling out the phrasing as unacceptable given the gravity of the term.

The moment, which may have gone unnoticed earlier, has now become the focal point of online outrage, with many users accusing the actor of trivialising sexual violence.

The controversy has also revived discussions around the 2018 allegations made by Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi during the global Me Too movement. Shafi had accused Zafar of sexual harassment, claims he consistently denied. The legal battle ended with Zafar winning a defamation case, with the court ruling in his favour. However, public opinion around the case has remained divided, and the resurfaced clip has added fresh fuel to that debate.

Adding to the controversy are other archived interviews that have resurfaced alongside the viral clip.

In one instance, Bollywood actor Yami Gautam appeared visibly uncomfortable when Zafar remarked “warrior princesses” having their legs visible.

Similar reactions have been noted in older interactions with Shraddha Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra, where viewers now claim the exchanges feel awkward in hindsight.

Zafar, who once enjoyed a strong fan following in India with films like ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’ (2011) and ‘Dear Zindagi’ (2016), now finds his past repeatedly scrutinised in the digital age, where old footage can resurface overnight.

While some fans argue that the comments are being taken out of context, critics maintain that public figures must be held accountable for their words, especially when referencing subjects as serious as sexual violence.

As the backlash continues to build, the episode underscores how quickly reputations can be reshaped, not by new actions, but by the echoes of old ones.